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Roads: McLean switches to McAdoo Kawasaki for 2018 season

Up and coming road racing star Adam McLean will ride for the McAdoo Kawasaki team for the 2018 season, it has been announced.

The 21-year-old parted company with the Quinns the Printers IMR team earlier this week but wasn’t without a ride for long.

A deal was then struck for McLean to join the McAdoo outfit alongside James Cowton on MSS Performance prepared ZX-6R and ZX-10RR machinery.

“I’m over the moon to sign for McAdoo Kawasaki,” McLean said. “I’m sorry it didn’t work out with Team IMR but when McAdoo contacted me today I couldn’t believe I’d got it sorted so quickly.

“I really enjoyed the Kawasaki bikes last year and I’m happy to be reunited with MSS on the new McAdoo ZX-6R and ZX-10RR. I’m confident we can be successful together and make the next step in my career. I can’t wait to get started.”

A statement from the team read “We’ve been massively impressed with Adam’s progress in the last couple of seasons and were pleased for him to have signed for Team IMR. However, when the news broke yesterday that he’d parted with them Nick Morgan from MSS and ourselves both agreed it would be a fantastic opportunity to step in and support Adam this season.

“We’re extremely proud of our track record in taking young riders to the very top of the sport and believe Adam is the most exciting Irish rider to come along in a long time. His achievements so far are remarkable considering his lack of experience – he’s already mixed it with the best road racers at just 21 years old.”

Following the split with McLean, Team IMR say they’re currently considering options for a replacement.

“Having already made extensive investment in support of Adam McLean for the 2018 road racing season, procuring high quality machinery, personnel and infrastructure, the team will now consider its options for a replacement rider with the aim of competing in the Superbike, Superstock and Supersport categories at the 2018 North West 200, Isle of Man TT Races and Ulster Grand Prix events,” read a statement.

By
Oli Rushby

Sports reporter covering British Superbikes, World Superbikes and road racing